Rot in KZN agriculture exposed
While the results of a forensic investigation into Mjindi Farming, among other agricultural entities in KZN, are 'damning', the DA is legally bound to keep them secret.
IN a bid to expose information that could lead to one of the biggest financial scandals to rock KZN, the province’s Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding the immediate release of completed forensic reports into KZN’s agriculture department.
DA Spokesperson on Agriculture, Francois Rodgers, earlier this month submitted a Public Access to Information Application (PAIA) to KZN Agriculture MEC, Cyril Xaba, who has a legal obligation to respond within 30 days.
No fewer than 10 entities within the KZN Department of Agriculture were subject to forensic investigations following allegations of fraud and corruption. Mjindi Farming, based on the Makhathini Flats near Jozini, was one such entity and, according to Rodgers, the results of its investigation are ‘damning’. However, Rodgers and the DA were forced to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to reviewing the reports.
Mjindi staff members who co-operated with the investigation, which began in 2012, were allegedly victimised or even fired for doing so.
‘The evidence contained in the forensic reports is a clear indication of fraud, corruption and maladministration of the highest order, under the watch of former MEC, Meshack Radebe,’ said Rodgers.
Seven of the 10 investigations were completed in February last year but no results have been published.
Once all investigations are complete, Rodgers believes the total cost to the province will be in excess of R20-million.
‘The DA finds it unacceptable that, despite these explosive reports being concluded in February 2014, they have yet to see the light of day,’ said Rodgers. What he finds most concerning, however, is the fact that critical recommendations contained in the reports, which name and shame certain individuals, have yet to be implemented.
@TamlynJolly
